Farewell...

And so, sadly, this is Goodbye from the LibraryRichard blog.

(by Myklovetide on Flickr. Creative Commons)

Newcastle College Library Catalogue

Our new Online Catalogue is now live on the web!

This means you can now easily Search for, and Reserve, resources from Newcastle College Library via any PC, Smart Phone or internet-enabled device, 24/7.

And because the new system links directly to your College account, you can also easily Renew library loans, Save searches (eg the recommended books for a particular module on your Reading List) or Share them with others, like never before.

All you need to do is

Christmas Library Opening Hours 2012

Main Library

Monday 17th December : 9.00am - 4.00pm

Tuesday 18th December : 9.00am - 4.00pm

Wednesday 19th December : 9.00am - 4.00pm
Thursday 20th December : 9.00am - 4.00pm

Friday 21st December : CLOSED

Monday 24th December : CLOSED
Tuesday 25th December : CLOSED
Wednesday 26th December : CLOSED
Thursday 27th December : CLOSED

Friday 28th December : CLOSED

Monday 31st December : CLOSED

Tuesday 1st January : CLOSED

Wednesday 2nd January : 9.00am - 4.00pm
Thursday 3rd January : 9.00am - 4.00pm
Friday 4th January : 9.00am - 4.00pm

The Art Library and SPACE IT Centre are CLOSED throughout the Christmas break. 

Normal hours resume on Monday 7th January 2013

You can return items by posting them through the Main Library Letterbox when we are closed.

Renew items via our online Library Catalogue (find out how here); by ringing (0191) 200 4020 and leaving a message (including your ID number) on our Answerphone; or by emailing libraries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from all at Newcastle College Library Services!

Harvard Web-CITE

Just in case you need it over the Christmas break, here's the link to our Harvard Referencing Microsite, which demonstrates how to write Author-Date Citations and Reference List / Bibliography entries for virtually every sourceyou might use in research.

Accessing Newcastle College e-Library

e-Library is Newcastle College Library's collection of e-books, electronic journals and specially selected online resources to help you with your assignments.

The Research and Study Support page of this blog has links to the most popular resources, but here's a recap of how to access the full collection if you need additional quality-assessed information for your College work ...:

Topping Up Printer Credits

The P-Counter Machine

At the start of the term, your Newcastle College Student IT account was pre-loaded with 50 free printing credits, meaning you could print off 50 sides of A4 paper in black and white for free.

If you haven't already done so, you might be running out by now and if you try and print off your assignment without topping up, your work wont be released from the print queue.

Topping up is easy -

Amazon.co.uk Discount Finder

Just in time for Christmas, why not try this Amazon Discount Finder...:

Automatic Harvard Referencing Generator

Take the drudgery out of Referencing...:

Free e-Books From Your Local Public Library

In addition to using Newcastle College's e-book collections (available from MyiLibrary and ebrary), plus Google Books, you can also access electronic and even audio books through local Public Libraries.

Here's how...:

Renew Your IT Password

Remember setting up your College IT / NCG Online password when you started back in September - changing it from your 6-digit Date of Birth to something else?

You need to update your password every 90 days - a period that is due to expire shortly. If you haven't already reset your password by then, you won’t be able to use NCG Online from home to do any College work over the holidays,.

To get around the problem,

SPACE Drop-In IT Suite

Finding it hard to get on a PC at Newcastle College?

Don't forget Newcastle College Library Services' second Drop-in IT suite in SPACE, the hexagonal building at the top of the main Ryehill Campus car park.

This Computer Centre has over 70 PCs available for use as and when you need them (no need to pre-book) - far more than are available in any of the Learner Zones - plus printing and a range of cut-price stationery to buy.

Opening hours are 10am - 2pm, Monday to Friday, plus there are also computer facilities, with expert help on-hand from the Brians, at PITS in the Main Library every day from 8:45am into the evening.

Harvard Referencing with Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010 both include tools to help you with Referencing - though annoyingly they don't include the Harvard style.

This Prezi shows you how to access and use these tools, and how to modify the results so they are in the correct format that you need to use at Newcastle College...:

Redirecting Your College Emails to Your Home Email Address

A few weeks back, I posted about the free College email accounts that you can get as a student at Newcastle College.

(Double-Click the image to enlarge)

If you already have another email address (eg with Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc), its easy to have these College emails automatically redirected to your existing personal account.

Wifi Access at Newcastle College Library

You can connect to the internet from your own laptop/ tablet PC or wifi-enabled SMART phone at either of Newcastle College Library's branches (and at various other locations around the campus).

To get access,

E-mailing List

(By Christopher S. Penn on Flickr.
Creative Commons)

Do you want us to remind you to renew your books BEFORE they go overdue?

NUS Student Discounts

Get the most out of being a Student, with the exclusive discounts available through National Union of Students' NUS Extra Card.

Top savings include 50% off Spotify's Premium Package, 25% off Odeon Cinema tickets, 25% off National Express coach travel and at least 20% off your food bill at Frankie & Benny's, Pizza Hut or Domino Pizza. You also get at least 5% off most purchases made on Amazon. A full list of the latest discounts is available here.

The NUS Extra Card costs £12 for 12 months - apply directly here or check out how much you could save with this online quiz.

To get involved with Newcastle College Student Union, visit their offices near the First Floor Refectory in Parsons Building; contact alicia.clovis@ncl-coll.ac.uk; follow @NclCollSU on Twitter; or find them on Facebook.

Referencing Revisited

Further to the earlier posting about Harvard Referencing, here's a Slideshare presentation with some worked examples (and appalling puns - sorry!) covering some of the more advanced rules and peculiarities of the referencing Standard that we use at Newcastle College...:

More resources to help you with Harvard Referencing are available here.

Research Using Open Access Academic Resources

In the past, students had to rely on Academic Journals for the latest research and scholastic information, however advances in digital technologies (and a backlash against the rising costs levied by journal publishers) mean that there is now an alternative.

Dissertations Archive

(by dolescum on Flickr.
Creative Commons)

To help students get some sense of the style, structure and standard necessary for their own Extended Project work, we are putting together an archive of previous students' Dissertations in the HE Study Room at Newcastle College Main Library.

So far we have examples of amongst the best work submitted for last year's Level 4, 5 and 6 Music, Sport Science, Child Care, Performing Arts and Engineering  courses, with more promised from lectures across the College.

If we don't yet have your subject, then feel free to nag your Tutor to send their copies over to the library, or you might try this Search Engine of other Institutional Repositories - type in your topic, then select "Thesis/Dissertation" from the Format menu on the left.

Donate Unwanted Books For Children In Need

Want to do something practical to help Children in Need?

Newcastle College's Learning Support Service are collecting new and used children’s and young adult books to donate to local charities the Great North Children's Hospital and Metro Radio's Cash4Kids appeal.

If you've any books that you want to pass on to sick and needy young people, please drop them off at Newcastle College Main Library.

Harvard Referencing Website

Here's a quick link to our Harvard Referencing Microsite, a web resource to show you how to construct Author-Date Citations and Reference List / Bibliography entries for virtually every source that you might use in your research.

Writing your Research Proposal

If you have to write a Dissertation or Extended Project this year, you may be asked to submit a Research Proposal. This is a justification for your work (ie proving why it is worth doing), a work-plan and evidence of your ability to plan and carry out the study.

Here are a few ideas of what you might include, and in what order...:

Accessing E-Resources at Newcastle College

Here's a quick video recap of how to access e-books, e-journals and other electronic research resources through Newcastle College's NCG Online VLE.

If you have any queries about the e-resources, please contact us at libraries@ncl-coll.ac.uk or ring (0191) 200 4018.

Handing-In Work Is Such A Bind

Congratulations if you've got your assignment finished! Now you just need to get it handed in...

Did you know that we offer a binding service at both the Main Library and Art Library?

HE Study Space

Need somewhere quiet to work at Newcastle College?

Don't forget there is a Silent Study Area upstairs in the Main Library, open to everyone. The staircase is near the Fiction section to the left of the Library Counter, if you were looking out towards the college piazza.

Additionally, there is the HE Study Space - a dedicated room for students on Level 4+ courses (though, off the record, we don't make a fuss if more mature FE students want to work in there too), complete with Wifi access, study carrels, group work tables and exemplar dissertations from former students.

You can find this room through the green doors to the right of the Main Entrance, near the magazine stands.

Harvard Referencing

Here's a cut-down version of the Referencing and Plagiarism presentation that I'm currently delivering to classes around Newcastle College. It explains all about Author-Date Citations and Reference Lists/Bibliographies, features some worked examples and contains at least two dreadful jokes.

If you think it would be useful for me to come and do the full version of this presentation with your class, please tell your tutor to drop me an email. Alternatively, if you are having trouble with referencing, then feel free to get in touch with me yourself. My contact details are at the foot of this blog.

More resources connected with Harvard Referencing are available here.

We're Hiring!

(by s_falkow on Flickr. Creative Commons)

Newcastle College Library Service is looking to appoint a part-time IT Customer Service Assistant to support students and staff in using the library computing facilities, services and resources effectively.

New Library Catalogue Coming Soon...

Over Reading Week, we've been busy at Newcastle College Library getting a new Library Catalogue installed.

This new system, which replaces Heritage, will bring back far more relevant results than ever before, and offers brand new features like letting you save or export your searches (so you don't have to keep running the same search over and over again), as well as letting you renew and reserve items online 24/7.

Best of all, there's no separate logon to remember - you'll access your library account with the same Username (s + Student Number) and Password that you use on Newcastle College PCs and NCG Online (so no more missing out the 's' at the start).

We're putting the finishing touches to the system now, and waiting for IT to set up the web address, so bear with us just a little longer - we think it will bring you a much better service....

In the meantime, please ring (0191) 200 4020 to renew your Library items from home.

Art Library Book Sale

Bag a bargain Botticelli, make off with a marked-down Matisse or pick up a cut-price Picasso...

... (...err, books that is!) at the Art Library Book Sale from 12noon on 5th November 2012, and all the rest of that week, at Newcastle College Mandela Building.

All sorts of Fashion, Art and Design books are featured, and prices start from just 50p!

Remember, Remember...

(By Tigerweet on Flickr. Creative Commons)

Since its Guy Fawkes' Night shortly, are you interested in going to a local Fireworks display?

Click here for a list of all the large Bonfire and Fireworks displays taking place around Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, North Tyneside and South Tyneside over the next few days.

Have a sparkling weekend!


Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service (2011) Organised Displays 2012 [Internet]. Available at:: http://www.twfire.gov.uk/community-safety/prevention/campaigns/fireworks/displays/ [Accessed: 31 Oct 2012].

October Reading Week Library Opening Hours 2012

(by Wiccked on Flickr.
Creative Commons.)

Main Library

Monday 29th October: CLOSED (Staff Training)
Tuesday 30th October: 9.00am - 4.00pm 
Wednesday 31st October: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Thursday 1st November: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Friday 2nd November: 9.00am - 4.00pm

The Art Library and SPACE IT Centre are CLOSED throughout Reading Week. 

Normal hours resume on Monday 5th November

You can return items by posting them through the Main Library Letter Box when we are closed.

Our Online Library Catalogue is being upgraded during Review week, however you can still renew items by ringing (0191) 200 4020 and leaving a message (including your ID number) on our Answerphone; or by emailing libraries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.

Library Catalogue is Off Line

Heritage, our online library catalogue which enables you to search for books, place reservations and renew items over the internet, is currently unavailable as it is being upgraded.

We'll have an improved system up and running shortly.

In the meantime, please ring 0191 200 4020 or email libraries@ncl-coll.ac.uk with any library queries or to extend your loans.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Harvard in a Hurry

It is vital that you properly reference all your academic assignments - this adds authority to your work and ensures that you can't be accused of plagiarism.

However, the Harvard Referencing system can take a bit of getting used to, so here's a quick video to get you started using Author-Date Citations and Reference Lists / Bibliographies in the right format for the work you hand in at Newcastle College...:

More resources to help with Harvard Referencing are available here or by clicking the Harvard Referencing link at the top of this blog..

Second-hand USB Charity Sale

We're selling off all the unclaimed (and now wiped) USB sticks that have been left in the Library over the past few months, with all proceeds going to MacMillan Cancer Support.

• 1GB USBs cost £1
• 2GB USBs cost £2
• 4GB USBs cost £4

Come along to Main Library Issue Desk, grab yourself a bargain and do some good for our nominated charity in the process.

Quick Links to Research Sources and Resources

(By Horrigans on Flickr. Creative Commons)

You are probably starting to get plenty of assignments to do by now, and Reading Week next week might mean you won't be able to get into College to use the Library.

Here's a link to recommended online resources (e-books, e-journals, dependable websites and more) that you can access anywhere, 24/7, to get the reliable data, quotations and information in order to finish your work.

IMPORTANT - To access the Newcastle College e-resources, you MUST have first changed your Password from the default one (your 6-digit date of birth), or the links won't work.

Click here, then select "enrol" to change your Password off-campus. (Step-by-step instructions are available here.)

A Google A Day

Test your internet research skills with A Google A Day - the daily quiz from Google.

Challenge yourself, play against friends or try to top the worldwide leaderboard to see who is the most "Search Savvy" ... and pick up lots of tricks and tips to help you develop advanced Online Researching Skills to track down information for your assignments in the process.

Watch the video below to find out more....

Warning - this is VERY addictive!

Renew Online

You can extend the loan period of items you have borrowed from Newcastle College Library by renewing online.

Simply go to http://library.ncl-coll.ac.uk/, use the Library Catalogue link in the Library pages of NCG Online, or click on the Library Catalogue logo at the foot of this blog; then log in using your usual Newcastle College Username (eg 's' + your Student Number). The Password is "12345" (unless you have changed this for yourself).

Logging in to the Library Catalogue

  

Click the word "Loans" in the left-hand menu or, from the Home Screen, double-click "Current Loans" in the My Portal Summary section beneath the Search Box....:

The Renew Icon

When the list of items you have out comes on screen, click on the green "Renew" button next to the items you wish to keep for longer.

The new return date will be listed in the "Due Date" column.

The Renewal Screen

NB: You cannot renew items that are overdue or have been reserved by other Library Users.

Click here to get automatic reminders of when you need to renew your library items.

A guide with full details of our Online Catalogue's functions and features can be downloaded here.

Universities Comparison Website

We have the prospectuses of all UK Universities available for you to browse near the Study Skills section at Newcastle College Main Library, but here's a web resource that may be useful to those currently weighing up their options for Higher Education next year...:

Assignment Survival Kit

If you're struggling to cope with all the different assignments that are flooding in right now, then try the terrific Assignment Help and Scheduler service from Staffordshire University Library.

Not only does it give step-by-step guidance on exactly how to tackle essays, portfolio work, presentations, posters or reports; if you type in your deadline date, the program will also devise a timetable for you to work to, so can be sure to get all the work done in time.

Google Cultural Projects

Last year we recommended Google Art Project, which allows you to enjoy the greatest Landscape and Portrait paintings from the World's most celebrated galleries, zooming in to brush-stroke level (a must-see for our Fine Art students!).

Now Google have build on this success with their latest Cultural Heritage projects...:

Free Newcastle College Email Accounts

Did you know that, as a Newcastle College student, you have a free college email account?

To access your email,

Study Skills Section

Are you having trouble finding books to help you tackle report writing, essays or dissertations at Newcastle College Library?

World Sight Day Book Swap

Do you have unwanted books you wish to swap?

If so, come along to the World Sight Day Book Swap all this week (8th October - 12th October 2012) in the Main Library.

Hand in your books at the Issue Desk and you will be given tokens to swap for books others have donated. If there is nothing you fancy, keep them for another book swap later in the year!

There will also be collection boxes to raise money for RNIB at this event to coincide with World Sight Day on 11th October 2012.

Durham Book Festival 2012

One for fellow book lovers out there - Durham Book Festival is only a few weeks away, and promises a mix of poetry and politics, murder and memoirs ... and afternoon tea (?).

Click here to see the full programme of events and to book your place.

Copyright-free Media Search Engine

A handy resource if you need to include copyright-free (or "some rights reserved") images, video, music or other media in your work, CC Search provides convenient access to search services which restrict their results to items offered under a Creative Commons licence, permitting other people to freely use or modify them to best meet their needs.

All you need to do is type your search term in the Search Box, then click on whichever provider (Google, Flickr, SpinXpress, Wikimedia Commons, etc) you want to search with.

Still can't find what you need?

Stationery

Did you know that, as well as providing books, journals, research help and PC access, we also have a Stationery Shop at Newcastle College Library?

Here's a list of our prices

Mandela Art LIbrary

Even if you aren’t studying on an Art course, it might well be worth checking out our dedicated Art & Design Library on the first floor of Newcastle College's Mandela Building.

Here we have thousands of books, magazines and other resources which will be of interest to anyone who enjoys photography, fashion, architecture, graphics, fine art, ceramics or even comic book illustration.

There’s also a suite of Apple Mac and PC computers, colour printing and photocopying facilities, and a wide range of specialist art stationery supplies (such as display folders, sketch pads, graded pencils and brushes, etc) available to buy at bargain prices.

Why not have a wander over? The branch is open from 9:15am every weekday, telephone: (0191) 200 4021 or email klaire.purvis@ncl-coll.ac.uk.



P'interesting Research & Study Skills Books

It'll soon be time to start tackling assignments or planning extended projects and dissertations.

Click here to browse our most popular Research and Study Skills Books, and just click the link to Reserve it to collect later.

Alternatively, search our Library Catalogue to explore our full collection.

Newcastle City Library's Book Sale

Bag yourself some bargains books this weekend at Newcastle City Library's sale of reference books and non-fiction titles, damaged or unwanted fiction, CDs and DVDs.

The sale will be open to the public on Saturday 29 September 2012 from 9.30am until 5pm, and Sunday 30 September 2012 from 11am until 3pm; and prices start at 50p for paperbacks and CDs, with a special 3 for 2 deal on Sunday afternoon.

For more information, check out the Newcastle City Libraries' Blog, and don't forget any Newcastle College student can join the City Library too and access all their resources as well as our own - read how here.

What's New(s)?

(by BlueRobot on Flickr. Creative Commons)

Keeping up to date with all the latest news and views from your Subject Area is not only important for its own sake, it can also give you the edge in assignments.

That's why we've set up these

Fiction

Our Fiction Section

The Leisure Reading section has proven to be one of our most popular in the Main Library.

The Fiction area can be found in the west wing of the Library below the Silent Study Area. It's to the left of the library counter, if you were facing towards Newcastle College piazza.

Accessing e-Library

e-Library is Newcastle College Library's collection of e-books, electronic journals and specially selected online resources to help you with your assignments.

Links to the most popular resources can be found on the Research and Study Support page of this blog, but if you want to access the full collection, here's how...:

Free Online Academic Apps from Google

Google are offering some really useful, free academic and educational apps for students who use Google Chrome as their web browser.

Highlights include an interactive anatomical model of the human body; an advanced Periodic Table for Chemistry students; a 3-D model of the Solar System; and tools to help you learn to type or master a new language; indeed there are hundreds of other apps covering all academic disciplines.

Click here if you need to download the Chrome browser in order to run these tools.

Newcastle City Libraries

In addition to using our College Library service, why not take advantage of the books and resources available at Newcastle City Libraries to help you in your studies?

As well as access to thousands of print books and e-books, you'll get free internet access at the eighteen branches across the city.

You can also get local studies and family history resources, join a reading group or log in to online resources to help you pass your driving test, learn a language or get legal advice, and more.

Best of all, it's free and you don't even have to live in Newcastle. Simply click here to join online, and follow their blog for the latest news.

Main Library Layout

We've been making a few changes to the Main Library over the summer, re-arranging PITS IT Drop-In Centre so PC users are closer to the Print Station and Helpdesk, and making it brighter with more room for you to browse for books at the South end of the library.

To explore our layout online (in 3D too, if you like!), click here to view our interactive floor plan.

Do let us know what you think of our changes, in the comments box below....

Subject Guides

Click on the links below for the key book class-marks and e-resources available through Newcastle College Library Services to support your research in that subject area...:

Library Inductions

Have you had your Library Induction session yet? (If not, then have a nag at your tutor - its part of your entitlement as a student of the college). If you can't make it, but are still interested, the slides are available here.

The purpose

Get your Student Travel Pass

If you're in Full Time education, and didn't make it to Newcastle College Main Library on 13th September 2012 to pick up your Discount Travel Pass for the whole of Tyne & Wear, you can still apply.

Newcastle College's Online Library Catalogue

Our Online Catalogue means you can easily search for, and reserve, resources from Newcastle College Library via any PC, Smart Phone or internet-enabled device, 24/7.

All you need to do is

Newcastle College Libraries' Term-Time Opening Hours

Now that we are into the swing of the new academic year, Newcastle College Library branches are back to their Term-Time opening hours...:

Newcastle College Main Library Virtual Tour

Take a Virtual Tour of our facilities and discover where to find the resources that you need at the Main Branch at Rye Hill Campus.

Press the Arrow icon to start.

(Click here to open the presentation in a new window)

You can explore in sequence by clicking the arrow or clicking the "Autoplay" option on the "More" Menu. Alternatively, zoom and drag around the page like you would when using Google Maps.

Newcastle College Library - The Movie

Check out our video on Youtube to find out about all our services across Newcastle College, at Main Library, Art Library, SPACE and online ...

... or click here to see what we used to look like back in the 80s!

Heritage Open Days

After a stressful first week back on College, why not do something cultural with the family this weekend?

Starting today (6th September 2012) and lasting until this Sunday, some 218 events are taking place around the North-East offering free access to museums, stately homes and historical properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.

From behind the scenes at BALTIC to a tour of Newcastle Castle Keep; from free entry to Segedunum to a "tutored beer tasting event" at Darwin Brewery in Sunderland; it is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring local history to life!

Click here for the full listing of events in Tyne and Wear (@TWHODs), or find out about events further afield here.

Library Handbook 2012-13

Here's a flip-book version of our Students' Guide to Newcastle College Libraries, telling you all about our branches and services, procedures and opening hours, plus the answers to a few FAQs...:



You can download a PDF version here, or pick up a free paper copy from any of our branches. If you have any other questions not covered in our guide, please just ask one of our staff.

Meet Our New Boss...

(by enriqueburgosgarcia on Flickr. Creative Commons)

A very warm welcome to Helen Ashton, who starts work as the new Head of Library Services at Newcastle College this week.

If you wish to contact Helen, you can find her office on the first floor of the Main Library (to the rear of the Silent Study area) at Rye Hill Campus; email her at helen.ashton@ncl-coll.ac.uk; or give her a ring on 0191 200 4017.